File associations determine which program Windows uses to open specific file types. If your JPG files aren’t opening, it’s likely that the file association has been altered or corrupted. To fix this:
- Right-click on the JPG file and select Open with > Choose another app.
- Select your preferred image viewer (e.g., Photos, Paint, or a third-party app).
- Check the box that says Always use this app to open .jpg files.
- Click OK to save the changes.
If the issue persists, you may need to reset file associations through Windows Settings. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps and scroll down to Photo viewer. Ensure the correct app is selected for JPG files.
Updating Image Viewer Configurations
Outdated or misconfigured image viewer settings can also prevent JPG files from opening. If you’re using the default Windows Photos app, ensure it’s updated to the latest version. To update:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Photos.
- If an update is available, click Update.
For third-party image viewers, check the software’s official website for updates. Additionally, verify that the app’s settings are configured to handle JPG files. Some apps may require you to enable specific file formats manually.
Resolving Codec Issues
Codecs are essential for decoding image files. If your system lacks the necessary codecs, JPG files may fail to open. While JPG is a widely supported format, third-party codec packs can sometimes interfere with default Windows functionality. To address this:
- Uninstall any third-party codec packs via Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Reinstall the default Windows codecs by running the Media Feature Pack installer (available for Windows N and KN editions).
If you suspect a corrupted codec, you can reset the Windows Media Player database. Open Windows Media Player, go to Tools > Options > Library, and click Reset Library.
Checking for File Corruption
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, the JPG file itself may be corrupted. To verify this:
- Try opening the file on another device or using a different image viewer.
- If the file opens elsewhere, the issue is likely with your Windows configuration.
- If the file remains unopenable, consider using file recovery tools to repair the corrupted JPG.
For severely corrupted files, tools like Stellar Repair for Photo or JPEG Repair can help recover the image data.
Using System File Checker
System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. If your JPG files aren’t opening due to a system-level issue, running SFC can help:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
This process can take several minutes. Once completed, restart your computer and attempt to open the JPG file again.
Reinstalling the Default Image Viewer
If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling the default image viewer may resolve the issue. For the Windows Photos app:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Type Get-AppxPackage *photos* | Remove-AppxPackage and press Enter.
- Reinstall the app by visiting the Microsoft Store and searching for Photos.
This process removes and reinstalls the app, potentially resolving any underlying issues preventing JPG files from opening.